By Emma Posey and Roxy Osborne
Two buildings caught on fire in the Old Louisville neighborhood on Wednesday.
The Louisville Fire Department took to X to report a structure fire on the intersection of Second and Hill Street at 2:06 p.m. The buildings are near duPont Manual High School’s Youth Performing Arts School.
The vacant two-story building caught on fire first. The blaze then spread to a three-story apartment building next door.
Smoke fills Hill Street as firefighters work to contain a building fire, Sept. 2, 2026. (Photo by Roxy Osborne / The Louisville Cardinal)
EMS also responded to the scene. Two people, including a firefighter, are reported to be injured and are receiving medical attention.
James, a resident in the apartment building who declined to give his last name, lives on the third floor of the apartment building.
“I looked out the window to fire trucks outside my house,” said James. “I put my shoes on, but I left my wallet in there.”
University of Louisville junior Kaylee Watson witnessed the fire from her apartment nearby.
“There was this car honking outside trying to get everyone’s attention because he thought people were living there,” she said. “I went out there and called 911 twice and they didn’t answer.”
A dispatcher eventually called Watson back as emergency responders were on the way.
Louisville Metro Fire Department responds to a fire at the intersection of Second street and Hill street on Sep. 2, 2026. (Photo by Adam Mouchrani / The Louisville Cardinal)
Feature Photo by Roxy Osborne / The Louisville Cardinal
